Trump responded to the fine imposed on Google by threatening to increase tariffs on the EU
This is reported by The Independent.
Why the EU fined Google
The European Commission has, for the first time, imposed sanctions on Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is designed to curb the dominance of large tech companies.
The company was fined €460 million for giving preference to its own flight and hotel booking services over competitors’ offers in its search results.
Google was fined a further €430 million over the rules governing its Play Store. The European Commission concluded that the company had promoted offers from its own marketplace and failed to provide users with access to alternative, and in particular cheaper, options.
Google criticised the decision, stating that the EU’s requirements could impair the functioning of services used by millions of Europeans every day, including quick price comparison and flight booking features.
Trump’s reaction
Trump accused the European Union of “directly attacking major American companies”. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he stated that the EU would “pay a very high price” for such actions, calling them illegal and unethical.
According to the US president, the fines imposed must be revoked, whilst Washington, for its part, is considering imposing “significant” tariffs on the European Union as soon as possible.
New US tariff plans
The day before, Trump also announced his intention to impose new tariffs on imports from 60 countries. The rates will range from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent and will, in particular, affect the UK.
The US administration justifies these measures on the grounds that the countries in question are allegedly not doing enough to combat the import of goods produced using forced labour.
At the same time, economists point out that it is American importers who pay the tariffs, and they often pass on the additional costs to consumers by raising prices.
Follow us on our Telegram channel
